We are committed to using only modern, science-based
methods to build good dog behavior in our daycare playroom
and in our classes.  Luckily for both dogs and humans, modern
dog training is much more fun than all those old-fashioned dog
training strategies like scruff shakes, squirt bottles and alpha
rolls.  You will enjoy the time you spend together training and
that pleasant time together will be a strong foundation for a
great relationship! 

Though using physical punishment such as leash corrections
CAN result in a trained dog, what suffers is the relationship
between dog and owner.  We believe having a strong relationship
based on mutual respect and trust is an important element to
shaping a well-mannered dog that is a joy to live with.  

Positive dog training doesn’t rely on physical punishment, force
or coercion. Instead the focus is on rewarding the good behavior
you want to see more of. The result is an effective dog training
style that is fun for both you and your dog!

Positive dog training is based on the principles of classical and
operant conditioning. All animals from whales to dogs to humans
learn in the same way: from the consequences of our actions.  We
are more likely to repeat an action that results in something pleasant.

We will use a sound, either a click or a word like ‘Yes!”, to mark the
behavior that we like, and immediately reward the dog. The sound we
use is paired repeatedly with the reward in order to create a classically
conditioned response (think Pavlov’s dogs.) When your dog has been
conditioned to the sound, when he hears it he will know he earned a
reward.  He will pay attention to what actions earn rewards, and he’ll
repeat those actions in the future. You won’t have to use the clicker
or treats forever.  After the good behavior is established, you can start
phasing out the rewards.

Positive training is about more than giving out rewards. You need to
have a good strategy for dealing with misbehavior. Anything that the
dog does, he is doing because it works for him on some level. Whether
it is jumping up on visitors or barking, your dog keeps doing the bad
behavior because it is rewarding. You can deal with it by examining
the behavior, figuring out what the reward is, and removing the reward
while you make doing another behavior in that situation simply more
rewarding.

One of the inspiring things about positive training is how much the
dogs enjoy the training sessions. The time you spend training your
dog to do new behaviors will be fun time you spend together. Positive
dog training will give you the tools necessary to successfully meet any
dog training challenge without using force or physical punishment.

Check out our dog obedience classes and sign up today!